Date: 6/15/25 11:45 am From: Steven Tracey <straceyflash...> Subject: [AZNMbirds] SEAZ: Sierra Vista EOP -- 15 June 2025
Hi Birders,
Well, the hot weather and early start had us down to just 4 locals on this
morning's EOP Birding Walk. This time of year we tend to bird a bit
quicker to avoid the heat, but that doesn't mean we don't find a lot of
birds, including some nice highlights. This morning we found a respectable
61 species. This is a rare time of year when wading bird species outnumber
the ducks, as we had Great Blue Heron, Green Heron, Great Egret,
Black-crowned Night Heron, and White-faced Ibis against just Mallard,
Mexican Duck, Ruddy Duck and Cinnamon Teal.
One of the benefits of being the first person to the observation deck is
that you get a chance to catch the Lesser Nighthawks in numbers over the
cattail ponds before they disperse for the morning. This morning I made it
to the deck first and found 15 that were gone by the time the last person
arrived (we did find one later on the Moson Road side). We always try our
best to get accurate counts for our eBird checklists and so this morning
when a flock of European Starlings flew into the mesquites by the parking
lot I decided to do an exact count as opposed to just an estimate. My
diligence was rewarded as I noticed while counting that one of the birds
was actually a Bronzed Cowbird, always a nice bird for the walk occuring on
less than 2% of walks. And speaking of nighthawks, just as we were
approaching the parking lot at the end of the first part of the walk, a
Common Nighthawk flew right past us. This is only the fourth time seeing
this bird on the EOP walk and the first time since 2011.
A few other unusual sightings this morning were of birds very familiar to
the EOP walk but just not at this time of year. These included a
continuing Savannah Sparrow from last week and a Brewer's Sparrow on the
weedy edge of one of the ponds.
Bird walks behind the locked gates of the Sierra Vista EOP occur every
Sunday morning. For the summer months (June-August) walks start promptly at
6:00 a.m. Arrive early at the EOP Bird Viewing Platform to sign in with the
guide--group size is limited to fifteen. Late arrivals will not have access
behind the locked gates. Scopes are useful. Bring a hat and water--there is
no shade nor any amenities on the walk route. There is a chem toilet in the
parking area.
The EOP is located just east (~ 3 miles) of Sierra Vista on AZ Hwy 90. Look
for the Brua Animal Care Center and the Wildlife Viewing signs on the north
side of Hwy 90. Turn left (north) and proceed to the bird viewing platform.
Note that Google Maps may direct you to the wrong entrance.
